A recent study of how well prepared science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) graduates in the United Kingdom feel when looking for a job, and of what motivates them, revealed that:
- Graduates find extra-curricular activities to be the best way to develop their competencies outside of their degree.
- STEM graduates feel least confident in their leadership and self-evaluation abilities.
- Applicants' confidence in all competencies drops during a stressful situation, such as job interviews.
- A lack of experience concerns graduates most when they're looking for a job.
- About three quarters of STEM graduates take the opinions of their friends, family, or lecturers into consideration when choosing a career.
- Personal fulfillment is the most important aspect influencing STEM graduates when choosing their first job.
The study was driven by Teach First, an independent charity that trains teachers and ambassadors to reduce education inequalities for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The data -- drawn from two surveys of around 15,500 students -- were provided by trendence, a Berlin-based research institute specialized in student-perception surveys. The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Institute of Physics, the Ogden Trust, the Royal Society, the Wellcome Trust were also involved.
Read the press release for more information.
